Trendy Trauma

By Lauren Law May 20, 2026

Social media has begun to turn serious struggles into a source of admiration. People often post about mental

health, heartbreak or unhealthy habits in a manner that aestheticizes or normalizes them, instead of highlighting how difficult they really are. This can also be seen in trends that frame overconsumption and excessive self-care as forms of healing. While this can foster a sense of community and make people feel less alone, it risks diminishing the gravity of genuine struggles.

Neuro Health Alliance defines overromanticization as the portrayal of serious subjects as more ideal or appealing than they really are. The trend is mostly promoted by Gen Z users on platforms like TikTok, Instagram and X. Through memes, ‘literally me’ edits and self-diagnosis culture, overromanticization transforms conditions like depression, anxiety and eating disorders as personality traits rather than serious mental illnesses. “Literally me” edits are social media videos that use clips of fictional characters or celeberties—often portrayed as emotionally damaged, isolated or mentally unstable—to encourage viewers to strongly identify with them. This pattern emerged alongside social media communities that normalized talking about mental health. However, researchers Jai Ajuja and Palak A. Fichadia identified in their research paper “Concerns Regarding the Glorification of Mental Illness on Social Media” that in some spaces, this shifted into romanticization and peer validation, especially in echo chambers where users receive

attention, sympathy or praise for these struggles.

“Most people actually do not know what these disorders entail and talk about them in a very superficial and incorrect way. Trends like this become popular because they allow people to find comfort in a community they identify with. It can almost become a negative feedback loop where people reinforce each other’s unhealthy thoughts or actions in order to remain part of that community,” Senior Aria Das said.

The trend of overromanticization can have real consequences as it encourages youth to self-diagnose conditions like depression or ADHD based on social media content instead of professional evaluation. Clin Child Psychol Psychiatry researchers also warn that glamorized posts can redefine mental illness as trendy or identity-based, which may lead teens to copy symptoms or adopt unhealthy behaviors. In some cases, this can create problems that were not initially present by pathologizing ordinary emotional experiences, delaying real help and distorting how serious mental illness actually is. Additionally, social media promotes unhealthy coping habits under the title of self-care. Large shopping hauls showcasing thousands of dollars' worth of products are often framed as therapeutic or deserving of rewards, which can suggest that spending money is a solution to emotional distress.

Beyond encouraging misdiagnosis, overromanticization can reinforce a culture of silence around genuine

treatment. When therapy or medication is reframed online as unnecessary—or worse, a sign of weakness—those who most need support may be the least likely to seek it, fearing judgement or dismissal. Furthermore, it can invalidate the experiences of those who genuinely live with mental illness by reducing their symptoms to a trend or exaggeration.

“Seeing others talk about their struggles can be reassuring, especially for teens who might not have anyone to open up to in real life. Nevertheless, that can be misleading and even cultivate unhealthy behavioral habits instead of actually addressing the problem,” Junior Winston Robey said.

The National Institute of Mental Health provides healthier ways to deal with mental health struggles, beginning with seeking guidance from a trusted adult, counselor or therapist. Beyond professional care, practices such as journaling, exercising, adequate sleep, time outdoors and intentional breaks from social media have all been provento meaningfully regulate mood and stress management. Support groups and crisis hotlines serve as vital resources for people who need immediate help or simply seek comfort.

Even though mental health problems are difficult to navigate, early intervention and intentional, evidence-based coping strategies can make recovery more achievable. Ultimately, creating a culture that supports honest conversations about mental health without glamorizing suffering is essential to helping young people feel understood and genuinely cared for.

---

About the Contributors

Lauren Law

staff writer

Lauren Law is a senior at Leland High School and this is her second year as a staff writer. She enjoys hanging out with friends, sleeping, and eating.